Social entrepreneur, environmentalist, avid scuba diver, mother of (one) dragon… and a Barbie! Brianne West, founder and former CEO of regenerative beauty brand Ethique, has received her fair share of accolades. Think an Obama Foundation Reward, 2023 Kea World Class Award, an induction into the New Zealand Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs in 2023… Heady stuff.
But when toy powerhouse Mattel called about including the 36-year-old Kiwi in their 2022 Barbie Role Models collection (alongside the likes of Shonda Rhimes and Pat McGrath) Brianne’s initial reaction was disbelief – followed by delight when her lookalike Barbie arrived, sporting luscious locks and a lab coat along with miniature chemistry equipment. An experience she’s described as “frickin cool!” – and a fittingly iconic tribute to a woman whose quest to do good for both people and planet forges ever onwards.
Brianne’s irrepressible energy and curiosity saw her start a pet detective agency at
